Walking out of a job

Irishguy16

Last night, for the first time in my life, I walked out of a job. I had never worked in such conditions before, and I have been working all of my life.I had been working at a well established restaurant for about a week and a half, and finally I had enough. Basically I was working slave labour, 11 hour shifts with no break, abused and mistreated by the management, constantly taunted,being called horrible names as early as my second day on the job, and forced to work crazy hours with a large amount of work, constantly on my feet and doing a two mans job, even being pushed on more than one occasion.

Should I report this job, or am I overreacting? Is is legal to work long shifts with no break?

Luckily I have another job arranged early next week, but I still feel that I should do something incase this happens to the next employee.

Did you ever do the same? What was your worst job and how long did you last?

TwoShedsJackson

You're entitled to something like 30 minutes paid or an hour's unpaid break per 8 hours worked, check out the Citizen's Information site.

That said, the restaurant industry is notorious for crap hours, bad wages and employers taking the piss, particularly if you let them away with it.

Irishguy16

Irishguy16 wrote: »

Last night, for the first time in my life, I walked out of a job. I had never worked in such conditions before, and I have been working all of my life.I had been working at a well established restaurant for about a week and a half, and finally I had enough. Basically I was working slave labour, 11 hour shifts with no break, abused and mistreated by the management, constantly taunted,being called horrible names as early as my second day on the job, and forced to work crazy hours with a large amount of work, constantly on my feet and doing a two mans job, even being pushed on more than one occasion.

Should I report this job, or am I overreacting? Is is legal to work long shifts with no break?

Luckily I have another job arranged early next week, but I still feel that I should do something incase this happens to the next employee.

Did you ever do the same? What was your worst job and how long did you last?

Why not start a review site a bit like tripadvisor for jobs in restaurants, get chefs and so on to comment what the working environment is live< kill two birds with one stone i.e new career and letting ever potential employee what the place is like.

AnonoBoy

Does being ousted in a coup count as walking out?




If not then no, no I haven't.

johnohanlon

I walked out on one in August. They actually were allowed to smoke inside in that factory.

The Backwards Man

I'm a bit like Robert De Niro. Or was it Al Pacino?

Never work in a job you can't walk out on in five minutes flat.

When you start thinking to yourself, it's time I wasn't here, it's time you weren't there. Walked out on a job an hour before I was due a four figure bonus, fcuk it, it was time to go.

Tugboats

i worked in a hotel for a summer job when i was 16. There was an Indian dude who everyone made fun of. One day I filled his trainers with food from the bin. He never came back to work after that. I still feel guilty about it and this thread has brought it back:(

DEFTLEFTHAND

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I'm a bit like Robert De Niro. Or was it Al Pacino?

Never work in a job you can't walk out on in five minutes flat.

When you start thinking to yourself, it's time I wasn't here, it's time you weren't there. Walked out on a job an hour before I was due a four figure bonus, fcuk it, it was time to go.

At a guess I think that could be Pacino in Glengarry Glenross.

Lisha

Tugboats wrote: »

i worked in a hotel for a summer job when i was 16. There was an Indian dude who everyone made fun of. One day I filled his trainers with food from the bin. He never came back to work after that. I still feel guilty about it and this thread has brought it back:(

That is so sad. I'm heartbroken for that guy.
People can be such bullies in a crowd situation to the person who stands out.

Hyzepher

nah De Niro in Heat

MRnotlob606

You sound like you are 16 years old or something.

4zn76tysfajdxp

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I'm a bit like Robert De Niro. Or was it Al Pacino?

Never work in a job you can't walk out on in five minutes flat.

When you start thinking to yourself, it's time I wasn't here, it's time you weren't there. Walked out on a job an hour before I was due a four figure bonus, fcuk it, it was time to go.

You couldn't wait an hour?

K4t

Name and Shame would be my advice and people can make their own decision based on your account or simply ignore you or find another source to corroborate what you have said, but obviously you can't do that here as boards is terrified of a libel case due to the ridiculous law that is defamation law.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/enforcement_and_redress/victimisation_at_work.html There's some info here about making complaints.

cloud493

I'm too lazy/afraid of not being able to find another job and ending homeless to risk walking out of a job. My current job is terrible, but I wouldn't consider leaving till I had a confirmed offer of something better.

not yet

Sad thing is there are 1000s of non documented who these people will exploit...

Brenda Important Cough

Brenda Important Cough wrote: »

You couldn't wait an hour?

I'm sure he was being figurative, like in the bible when they talk of making the world and everything else in 6 days.

It was probably longer a bit longer than that but it doesn't sound as good if god made the universe in 13.8 billion years...and, in fact, is still making it.

4zn76tysfajdxp

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm sure he was being figurative, like in the bible when they talk of making the world and everything else in 6 days.

It was probably longer a bit longer than that but it doesn't sound as good if god made the universe in 13.8 billion years...and, in fact, is still making it.

Leave me alone.

The Backwards Man

Brenda Important Cough wrote: »

You couldn't wait an hour?

Nope.

Sometimes principle is more important than reparation.

Not sure if De Niro said that, but he should.

The Peanut

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Nope.

Sometimes principle is more important than reparation.

Not sure if De Niro said that, but he should.

Agree on the principle issue. I've done the same but financially I was in the position to do it.

You'll have to stop pushing the De Niro angle; you're not fooling anyone. We know you're more wee Daniel than Italian hard man.

Earthhorse

Brenda Important Cough wrote: »

Leave me alone.

Finish making the universe!

WoollyRedHat

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I'm a bit like Robert De Niro. Or was it Al Pacino?

Never work in a job you can't walk out on in five minutes flat.

When you start thinking to yourself, it's time I wasn't here, it's time you weren't there. Walked out on a job an hour before I was due a four figure bonus, fcuk it, it was time to go.

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

The Backwards Man

The Peanut wrote: »

Agree on the principle issue. I've done the same but financially I was in the position to do it.

You'll have to stop pushing the De Niro angle; you're not fooling anyone. We know you're more wee Daniel than Italian hard man.

You talkin' to me?:mad:

MarkAnthony

Report them, but expect little to be done. They might get a visit from the labour inspector or what ever they're called, rosters might be looked at an guidance given on how not to be such a bunch of bollox.

I've never walked out, came to a mutual agreement to leave once. If someone was to be abusive to me at work they could expect to be told where to go, same with not getting breaks etc. It helps to know I could get another job within a few hours of course, bit more difficult when you're not so secure.

There's nothing more liberating than telling an arsehole boss that he/she is exactly that and laughing in their face, the worst they can do is sack you and happy, happy days if they try and give you a bad reference, k-ching time.

The Peanut

The Backwards Man wrote: »

You talkin' to me?:mad:

Och now, me wee pet, calm down and have a cup of Mammy's tea.

Streetwalker

No job is worth being unhappy in but unfortunatly the majority just continue on. You did the right thing OP you can't put a price on your mental well being.

The Backwards Man

The Peanut wrote: »

Och now, me wee pet, calm down and have a cup of Mammy's tea.

Whoosh

One eyed Jack

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Report them, but expect little to be done. They might get a visit from the labour inspector or what ever they're called, rosters might be looked at an guidance given on how not to be such a bunch of bollox.

I've never walked out, came to a mutual agreement to leave once. If someone was to be abusive to me at work they could expect to be told where to go, same with not getting breaks etc. It helps to know I could get another job within a few hours of course, bit more difficult when you're not so secure.

There's nothing more liberating than telling an arsehole boss that he/she is exactly that and laughing in their face, the worst they can do is sack you and happy, happy days if they try and give you a bad reference, k-ching time.

Really? No, seriously, really? I didn't think a person could sue their former employer for a bad reference? Once the employer is able to substantiate their claims, I'm not sure there's a whole pile an ex-employee can do?


I've only ever walked out of one job when I was 16 and working in Tesco at the time. I'd already handed in my weeks notice to go to another job when the manager decided to downgrade my duties from the fruit and veg dept. to trash compactor duty. That lasted all of ten minutes before I said to hell with this, walked into his office, gave him a piece of my mind, and stormed out.

Haven't done anything like it since, haven't needed to, thankfully.

MarkAnthony

One eyed Jack wrote: »

Really? No, seriously, really? I didn't think a person could sue their former employer for a bad reference? Once the employer is able to substantiate their claims, I'm not sure there's a whole pile an ex-employee can do?

Truth is, of course, a complete defense. However defamation claims are very easy to begin and very expensive to defend. Generally they are settled, most of the time even the most idiotic of employers won't put themselves in that position.

Of course it's more complicated but basically the danger of a bad reference are very much overstated.

Tzardine

I worked for a company once where I had to tell the staff that there was a problem with the bank and that the wages would be a week delayed. I had to do this by phone as the staff worked away from the office. This was on a Friday evening when the wages should have been in the bank already. It was a common thing for this company to pay staff late.

So the real reason that week was because two of the directors had bought new cars using the salary money. A brand new Audi A6 and a BMW 5 Series. Easily over 100k.

Final straw was when the staff started turning up to the office looking for me and their wages, and the two boyos were in the car park showing off their cars. I walked there and then. Only time I ever did it.

MarkAnthony

Tzardine wrote: »

I worked for a company once where I had to tell the staff that there was a problem with the bank and that the wages would be a week delayed. I had to do this by phone as the staff worked away from the office. This was on a Friday evening when the wages should have been in the bank already. It was a common thing for this company to pay staff late.

So the real reason that week was because two of the directors had bought new cars using the salary money. A brand new Audi A6 and a BMW 5 Series. Easily over 100k.

Final straw was when the staff started turning up to the office looking for me and their wages, and the two boyos were in the car park showing off their cars. I walked there and then. Only time I ever did it.

Hope you went back with a key.

clappyhappy

I worked as a newly qualified chef in one of the busiest restaurants in limerick city around 1995/6. Loved the job, loved the pressure, long hours didn't bother me, head chef was a nutter, pans flying across the kitchen, roaring shouting whatever I was fine with.

However, there was a young girl around 19/20 from Romania on wash up, she was so nice. If a pot or plate wasn't ready in time for the head chef he used to lose it, threw a pot at her one time and missed her by mm's. It really annoyed me, she was going as fast as she could on wash up, whole also running to get stuff from fridges, one night I couldn't watch it go on, shouted at the chef to leave her alone, he told me to **** off and that I should be happy working there as a newly qualified chef. Thought **** you and took off my hat and walked out.

Had an issue getting a reference from the management, but met him a few years later and he shook my hand and admitted he was a dick. I would do it all over again if I had to.

anncoates

Only a part time job I had in a fast food place when I was about 19 in college. The manager was a weasel and always on my back. Ended up waving a big spatula thing in his face and calling him, I think, a stringy looking cunt or similar and storming out.

Then, of course, when the virtue rush died off, had to spend a horrible few weeks trying to find another job which were not easy to come by back then.

enniscorthy

this must be what they mean by that song wake me up before u go go hehe

everlast75

Worked on a garage on the Southside and the boss was THE most arrogant and bullish pr*ck you would ever come across.

Everyday was a knightmare dealing with him.

I wasn't qualified to work in parts, but he shoved me into the role and I had to deal with some amount of abuse as a result. Had to call the mechanics in everytime someone wanted something more complex than an oil filter. I put my head on the counter everyday that I went in there and thanks be to ****, I got another job within a couple of months.

There was a fella who worked there before me and I have it on good authority that he lasted an hour and thirty minutes. Apparently, the head honcho was heading out and told the guy "if anyone calls, I'm gone to a meeting". Remember, its the days before mobile phones. So as the guy is leaving, he stops to talk to a would be customer. With that, the phone rings, the guy answers it and says no.. He is gone out to a meeting. The other guy says "are you sure, I just want a quick word". So the employee puts him on hold, and asks the boss if he's available to take the call. The customer had just left. So the boss lets a roar at the guy, stands up on the service reception desk and shouts "do I have to tell you something from up here before you listen to me!?". With that, the (former) employee grabbed his coat and walked.

One hour thirty minutes. Don't blame him.

dd972

Lisha wrote: »

That is so sad. I'm heartbroken for that guy.
People can be such bullies in a crowd situation to the person who stands out.

Swap bullies for spunkless cowards who hide in groups

Generic Dreadhead

Tugboats wrote: »

i worked in a hotel for a summer job when i was 16. There was an Indian dude who everyone made fun of. One day I filled his trainers with food from the bin. He never came back to work after that. I still feel guilty about it and this thread has brought it back:(

And rightly so.... that's an absolutely horrible thing to do to anyone.... especially someone so oestrecisied

Pyridine

clappyhappy wrote: »

I worked as a newly qualified chef in one of the busiest restaurants in limerick city around 1995/6. Loved the job, loved the pressure, long hours didn't bother me, head chef was a nutter, pans flying across the kitchen, roaring shouting whatever I was fine with.

However, there was a young girl around 19/20 from Romania on wash up, she was so nice. If a pot or plate wasn't ready in time for the head chef he used to lose it, threw a pot at her one time and missed her by mm's. It really annoyed me, she was going as fast as she could on wash up, whole also running to get stuff from fridges, one night I couldn't watch it go on, shouted at the chef to leave her alone, he told me to **** off and that I should be happy working there as a newly qualified chef. Thought **** you and took off my hat and walked out.

Had an issue getting a reference from the management, but met him a few years later and he shook my hand and admitted he was a dick. I would do it all over again if I had to.

Come on, don't leave us hanging....what happened between you and the Romanian girl afterwards?

Ray Palmer

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Nope.

Sometimes principle is more important than reparation.

Like the principle if you suffered another hour you could have given the bonus to a charity and literately save many peoples' lives.

Sometimes acting like an adult means knowing the smart thing over an egocentric belief in principles.

Bipolar Joe

Bullying should never happen, and as an adult, refuse to put up with it. I've spoken before about working with one total bitch. I'm a fucking adult, I'm not gonna let myself be bullied.

fryup

Pyridine wrote: »

Come on, don't leave us hanging....what happened between you and the Romanian girl afterwards?

ya what happened to the poor romanian girl, left all alone with that bully with no one to defend her

moc moc a moc

everlast75 wrote: »

Everyday was a knightmare dealing with him

Great, now I'm going to have the theme music stuck in my head for the next two days.

clappyhappy

Pyridine wrote: »

Come on, don't leave us hanging....what happened between you and the Romanian girl afterwards?

Ahhhh nothing, I'm not into girls and I don't think she was either!!!!!